Fear the Russian mortar

For this is what they can do! (Intelligence Bulletin, 1946)

"Each Russian 82-mm mortar company, with nine pieces, fired in support of its own rifle battalion. The company could lay down a fixed barrage 275 yards wide, with each tube typically firing 14 rounds. Action was begun by firing two company concentrations of three rounds each, followed by four platoon salvos at 5-second intervals. Zone fire was conducted against enemy assembly areas and troop concentrations, the zone engaged by one medium mortar company being not larger than about 7 acres (an area about 180 x 180 yards in total). Zone fire was conducted at the rate of about 18 rounds per 2 acres per minute. Elevation and deflection was shifted in order to cover a zone adequately, each platoon firing 2 to 4 rounds for every shift of about 50 yards. Short, intense concentrations were fired at visible targets in exposed positions. These concentrations usually lasted for 2 to 3 minutes, with the ammunition expenditure being about 50 rounds per 2 acres per concentration.

In defense the mortars of a Russian Rifle Regiment were normally grouped into a provisional medium mortar battalion, containing 27 medium mortars (82mm) and six heavies (120mm). Such a battalion could fire a barrage 600 to 700 yards wide."

According to Evgeni Bessonov a motor rifle officer who served from 1943 until the battle of Berlin and beyond, rifle platoon and company commanders weren't equipped or even trained to call in mortar fire, as at one point his platoon was pinned down by enemy fire and only saved by the arrival of the Lieutenant commanding the mortars and his signalman who called in a short barrage which cleared the way. BTW His book is an excellent read too! https://www.amazon.com/Tank-Rider-Into-Reich-Army-ebook/dp/B01N95HYTI

nice tale!
I fyou can, field a russian infantry division with an on-table 3x120mm mortar battery. With loader teams!
That´s a hefty 9 dice battery if you are lucky!

Brings whole new meaning to "getting plastered" doesn't it?